Bombay (Mumbai) Sixty six year old veteran actor Om Puri, who gave countless memorable performances in movies of diverse genres, died at his home this morning after a massive heart attack (6 Jan).

“He passed away this morning due to a massive heart attack at his residence in suburban Andheri. It’s shocking,” a family source said.

Hailing him as an “exceptional talent”, megastar Amitabh Bachchan has condoled the death of his friend, actor Om Puri saying he is in grief after hearing the news.

Bachchan, 74, who has collaborated with Puri in several films including “Ghatak”, “Dev”, “Baabul”, “Kyun ! Ho Gaya Na” and “Lakshya”, took to Twitter to express his shock over the actor’s passing.

“Shocked to learn of OM PURI Ji’s passing just now.. a dear friend a lovable colleague and an exceptional talent .. in grief!” Bachchan posted.

From Bollywood to Hollywood, from independent to art films, the noted actor, known for his versatility, gave several acclaimed performances. Puri featured in several Indian, Pakistani, British and Hollywood mainstream commercial films.

He was awarded the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth highest civilian award, in 1990.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Puri’s demise and recalled his long career in theatre and films.

Bollywood celebrities, including Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Anupam Kher, Javed Akhtar and Mahesh Bhatt expressed grief over Puri’s demise, calling it a huge loss to Indian cinema.

Born in Ambala, Haryana, in a Punjabi family, Puri graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. He was also an alumnus of the 1973 class of National School of Drama, where Naseeruddin Shah was a co-student.

He made his film debut in the 1976 Marathi film “Ghashiram Kotwal”.

Some of his most notable films include “Bhavni Bhavai”, “Sandgate, “Ardh Satya”, “Mirch Masala”, “Dharavi”, “Aakrosh”, “Ardh Satya”, “Maachis”, “Gupt”, “Dhoop”, “Yuva”, “Don”, “Agneepath”, “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and others.

He earned international fame in many British films, such as “My Son the Fanatic”, “East Is East”, “The Parole Officer” and others.

He also appeared in Hollywood films like “City of Joy”, “Wolf”, “The Ghost and the Darkness” among others.

  Cinema, Om Puri